Ezulwini– The FNB Eswatini Challenge is steadily gaining international recognition, with Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Minister Bongani Nzima saying the tournament has grown into an event of national importance while showcasing Eswatini as a destination for international sport.
Speaking on Saturday during the prize-giving ceremony at Ezulwini Golf and Country Club, Nzima said the fifth edition had demonstrated that Eswatini was capable of hosting sporting events to international standards.
He congratulated FNB Eswatini, the Sunshine Tour and other partners for the manner in which the tournament was conducted, saying its growth was evident from the launch through to the final day.
“From what we have seen over the course of this week, it is clear that we were not exaggerating and in fact, the Challenge is steadily growing in stature beyond our borders,” Nzima said.
The Minister said the tournament had also provided an important platform for the development of young golfers, particularly through the inaugural FNB Eswatini Junior Golf Day held during the week.
Thirty young emaSwati golfers, including children from communities such as Sihhoye, Manjengeni and Ludzeludze, were given an opportunity to interact with Sunshine Tour professionals and learn directly from experienced players.
Nzima described the junior initiative as his favourite part of this year’s Challenge, thanking the professionals for taking time away from the tournament to mentor the youngsters.
“You have no idea the seeds you have planted within these children,” he said.
He said the participation of young golfers from rural and underserved communities was particularly encouraging, adding that such opportunities could expose them to possibilities beyond their immediate surroundings.
The Minister also highlighted the economic benefits generated by the tournament, saying hotels, retailers and other businesses had benefited from the influx of players, officials and visitors.
“Beyond the putting and chipping on the green, our economy has been invigorated by the life that comes with the Challenge,” he said.
Nzima said the economic activity generated by sporting events demonstrated why investment in sport should not be viewed only from the perspective of competition.
He called on local companies to continue supporting sporting initiatives and said Government would work with stakeholders to create an environment that allows sport to develop.
The Minister also praised the local sponsors and partners involved in the tournament, saying their collaboration had dispelled the notion that emaSwati could not work together to deliver events of international standard.
He welcomed the international professionals who travelled to Eswatini and invited them to return to the country, not only for golf but also to experience its tourism attractions.
Nzima congratulated the 2026 FNB Eswatini Challenge champion and challenged FNB Eswatini to make next year’s edition “the biggest yet.”
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